Tinos Hiking Tour (Self-Guided) [5days]

We start our island experience with a transfer high up to the hilltop village of Falatados, the second biggest in the island. Here is the start of our hike through the famous granite formations plateau of Tinos. We walk down to Volax, an isolated, sparkling white settlement in the middle of the Plateau. From there, we hike up towards Koumaros, another tiny village known for it’s unmanned self service café. We continue uphill towards Xombourgo, the medieval Citadel of Tinos. Built on a very strategic location on the second highest summit of the island, the Castle top offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Aegean Sea. After resting on the summit we start our downhill hike, passing by the ruins of the ancient capital on the foothill of Xombourgo and through the main stone paved path of the island, that leads back down to the sea and Chora, the modern Capital of Tinos. Overnight in Tinos.

Hike: Falatados – Volax – Koumaros – Xombourgo – Chora

Distance: 11.3 km / 7 miles / Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 450m – 1480ft / Elevation Loss: 790m – 2590ft

Today we discover the picturesque dovecotes of Tinos. Following an impressive medieval paved path (kalderimi), we visit the old village of Ktikados, the heart of traditional dovecote architecture. The path crosses agricultural and shepherd land, formed on steep terrain with the help of literally endless stone terraces (pezoules), which have given Tinos the nickname “the handmade island”.  Hiking downhill on a stone paved path with impressive sea view, we reach Kiona bay, the location of the ruins of the only ancient Temple dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, in the Aegean Islands. Kionia beach is ideal for rest and swimming, so bring along your swimsuit and a towel!  Return to Chora takes place by a 20 minute short hike or by taxi. Overnight in Tinos.

Hike: Chora – Ktikados – Kionia – Chora

Distance: 7.7 km / 4.8 miles / Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 300m – 985ft / Elevation Loss: 300m – 985ft

The third of our hikes takes us to the north part of the island, world famous for its high-quality marble queries and long tradition of sculpting arts. We transfer to the village of Pyrgos, capital of the North and home to the Sculpting Department of the National School of Fine Arts. We start with a stroll through the sparkling white houses of the village, covered by marble artwork, which takes us to the Museum of Marble Sculpting, at the edge of the village. After an optional visit to the museum, we start an uphill hike through a stone paved path, to the hilly pass with the iconic windmills, offering a view towards both the North and South Aegean Sea. Then we arrive in Isternia, a whitewashed village clinging high up in the steep hills, overlooking the archipelago. The hike continues through a hilly traverse with impressive sea views, towards one more picturesque village, Kardiani. From there, we finally descent towards the beach in the bay of Giannakis. After some optional rest and swimming, we transfer back to our hotel in Chora.  Overnight in Tinos.

Hike: Pyrgos – Ysternia – Kardiani – Yiannaki Bay

Distance: 9.7km – 6 miles / Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 460m – 1510ft / Elevation Loss: 550m – 1800ft

Time to return to Athens (or continue your travel to another Greek island!). After our delicious freshly made breakfast we transfer to the port to catch the boat for Athens. Upon Arrival, you will be transferred to Athens center or Athens airport, full of happy memories and images.